With new restaurants and bars opening every week, Wan Chai is set to be the next SoHo, but before we jump into the future, take a look into the past at The Blue House. Located at the site of the district’s first hospital from the 1870’s, the building was rebuilt as a four-storey balcony-style tenement in the 1920’s and painted bright blue, the only color available, during a 1950’s renovation. One of the few remaining buildings of its kind, The Blue House is now home to the Wan Chai Livelihood Museum, which organizes regular tours to explore different facets of the district’s history.

If you want to go on a walk of the city and find out the history behind every street corner, market, monument and stall while you’re at it, then Jason Wordie is your guy.  A local historian and writer, he is bursting with knowledge and is happy to impart his wisdom in a fun and entertaining way.

Now housing the world’s most important collection of primary and secondary source material on Contemporary Asian art, The Asia Art Archive is the perfect spot to hang out and learn more about art.  Sit on the rooftop and take in the charming panoramic views of Sheung Wan while reading art books and magazines with artists and experts on hand. (Mon-Sat 10am-6pm)

HK is brimming with history, heritage and culture so why not indulge a bit further in your surroundings and take a class on Tea Traditions, Feng Shui, Tai Chi, Antiques, Chinese Medicine and more with HK Tourism Board.  You’ll see HK in a whole new light.

Break out the wine, cheese, picnic basket and blankets and get ready for a memorable evening of moonlit music and enchantment at Swire Symphony Under the Stars at the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kick back on the grass, stare up at the starry skies and listen as the Hong Kong Philharmonic performs the city’s largest outdoor symphonic concert.  Check website for upcoming performances.

The well-heeled crowd making it’s way across the plaza, the buzzing excitement, the chill in the night air. . . nothing compares to a breathtaking live performance of the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center. Or does it? 2010 will see “The Met”, renowned for having some of the finest singers and most lavish productions in the world, bringing all their musical glory to Hong Kong, with exclusive high-definition screenings of their awe-inspiring operas. Sharper and larger than in real life, these high definition screenings have been hailed “the new craze” by Vanity Fair and “the closest thing to a front row seat” by Oprah’s O Magazine. Leave your opera glasses at home and head on over to your local theatre for an unforgettable up close and personal performance!

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Cosy up on beanbag chairs on the grass and enjoy the open air as you watch some of your all-time favourite films on the oversize outdoor screen.  Schedule changes seasonally.